Get to know Cumberland Valley lacrosse’s Owen McKenzie

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Meet Cumberland Valley lacrosse standout Owen McKenzie.

What is your name, sport, positions played, years played, teams/schools played for?

Owen McKenzie: “My name is Owen McKenzie. I am a junior at Cumberland Valley High School (CV). I play lacrosse for CV as well as Team Money. Team Money is my club lacrosse team and I have played for them for nine years. I have played midfield and attack on both teams. Playing midfield allows me to play offense and defense. When I play attack, I can only stay on the offensive side of the field because my whole purpose is to score.”

What do like most about your sport?

McKenzie: “The thing I love most about my sport is that it is the fastest sport on two feet. We are literally running the entire 48 minutes. The longer I play, the stronger my lacrosse stick mechanics become. The game is also pretty physical. Similar to ice hockey, there is a penalty box for aggressive moves. At any time, you could be a man up or down based on penalties received. I love the challenge of balancing the athleticism needed to run for 48 minutes with the physicality of the game. On top of that, you have to be able to pass the ball to your teammate or score a goal, all the while avoiding being hit. I am constantly learning and improving and I also love seeing all of my hard work paying off in games.”

Do you have any favorite role models or coaches who have inspired you?

McKenzie: “Coach Bergey is one of my role models. He is my Team Money club coach and has been for the entire nine years I have played for the organization. The respect I have for Coach Bergey pushes me to give my all in practice and in games.

“In 2019, I went to see Yale versus Virginia lacrosse play in the NCAA National Championship. The win by Virginia and roar of the crowd was exhilarating. It was that moment where I decided I wanted to play lacrosse in college.”

What is the best advice you have gotten as an athlete?

McKenzie: “Do you best at everything you do in life, not just in athletics. I am a student-athlete. I have to do my best in the classroom before I can go to the practice field and play. Also, character counts. My values as a person are more than just on the field. They are in the classroom and at home, too.”

What are your goals as an athlete?

McKenzie: “For this school year, my goal is for my team to be Mid Penn Champions. My long-term goal is to play lacrosse in college. I have started looking at colleges who have exercise science as a major and offer lacrosse as a sport.”

Do you have a favorite sports story you’d want to share?

McKenzie: “One of my earlier experiences in lacrosse was when my middle school team went to Allentown, Pennsylvania, to play a tournament. We were not a favorite to win, so we just went on the field, played our best, and had fun. We went on to win the tournament and qualify for a national tournament in Florida! This was the first time I realized lacrosse is played all over the country. While in Florida, we didn’t come out on top, but we played our hardest, persevered and had fun in Florida.”

Do you have any advice to someone who is just starting this sport?

McKenzie: “Don’t give up right away. This sport requires a lot of practice, repetition and determination.”

Favorite quote?

McKenzie: “Love is playing every game as if it’s your last.” – Michael Jordan

What would you want a college coach to know about you?

McKenzie: “I am a hard worker. I am willing to repeat drills until I get it right. I am coachable. I adapt and accept feedback to grow as a player. And I aim to do anything for my team. The team’s success is my success.”

Anything else you’d like to share?

McKenzie: “One of our rivals is Trinity. I am really looking forward to that game in May!”

Many thanks to Owen for sharing his time and experiences with our readers. Hampden Neighbors wishes his team a fun and successful season!

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.